Pro Tip: How To Maximize Networking At Conferences

As an entrepreneur, I can tell you that who you know is as important as what you know. In fact, sometimes it's more important. I've built my business through networking- much of which has been done at conferences. So I always found it surprising when I would hear that someone didn't get business from attending a conference. To me, conferences are great for learning-- but they're even better for meeting great people who can help your business grow.

Networking At A ConferenceiStock

Here are some pro tips for getting more value out of your ticket to that conference you signed up for:

1. Don't Attend Every Session:

It is great to learn. I love learning. But conferences are about more than just learning-- if you wanted to straight up learn, you'd be reading something on your phone right now. The single best place to hang out at a conference is in the common area/lobby. If you're out there when there's a session, there will be fewer people who step out-- either to make calls, or to work, or simply to take a break. It's a quieter, easy time to say-- "Hey are you enjoying the conference? I'm Carrie!" It's also the perfect time to set up meetings with other conference attendees.

2. Cellphones Top Business Cards.

I actually love getting business cards. I love the feel of the paper- the different styles-- I love saving them and looking through them. But there is no single better way to form a longer relationship with someone in today's world than to get their cellphone number and start a texting rapport. Again, don't abuse this....because it will work against you. But think about it this way-- let's say you meet someone at the coffee line. They're great and you think you can help each other. It's pretty easy to whip out your phone and say-- "what's your cell, I'll text you later to meet up after the session we're both dying to see."

3. Look Beyond The Speaker— Timing Is Everything

I've spoken at a lot of conferences— and it's a ton of fun to have a big line afterwards with people who want to speak to you. Unfortunately, it's usually impossible to be memorable in that circumstance-- there are 10x as many people talking to the speaker as there are people talking to everyone else. Most people see a speaker roster and attend the conference specifically to try and network with those speakers. My advice? Email the speaker afterwards with a personal note about what you loved about their speech. (Note: It should be specific-- show that you were really there!) Ask to get together, and offer any help you can. Instead of focusing on connecting with the speaker, connect with others at the conference. You never know who you'll meet.

Do you have any pro-tips for conference networking that you'd like to share? Comment below!

Carrie Kerpen is CEO and co-founder of Likeable Media, an award-winning digital agency that achieved Crain’s 6th “Best Place To Work in NYC.” She is the author of WORK IT: Secrets For Success From The Boldest Women In Business and the host of the popular podcast All the Soci...